topic Re: Link an opening elevation to story level instead of wall base? in Modeling

Link an opening elevation to story level instead of wall base?

Mike96 — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:44:44 GMT

For windows and window openings it's possible to link their sill level to a story, not the "master" wall, so that when I lift or drop the wall base, the window will retain its elevation.

This doesn't seem to be possible with opening tool, or is it?

It seems that an opening is eternally bound to a wall and will always elevate along with wall's base. What a shame.

Operating system used: Windows 10

Betreff: Link an opening elevation to story level instead of wall base?

runxel — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:33:50 GMT

You found one of the many stupid defects of the Opening tool! 👏🏻

They got it totally backwards, it prevents it from being a useful tool.

Re: Link an opening elevation to story level instead of wall base?

Patrick M — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:37:21 GMT

I believe it works the opposite; the opening is linked to the home story, not to wallbase/head/etc... you can use a window or door opening, and have that linked to wall base.
There is also the "use empty opening" option in the info box of the door/window tool (screen shot attached)
...
if you need a shape other than a square/rectangle, and need the placement flexibility of the door/window:
-model the shape you want with a slab
-set the slab element ID to WALLHOLE
-select the slab, file > libraries and objects > save selection as > door.
-place the custom door in a wall and define its sill/head relationship to wall base/home story

Re: Link an opening elevation to story level instead of wall base?

runxel — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:34:11 GMT

Yeah, you're right, Patrick. I had it confused now, too.

Still, the issue persists that openings are unflexible.

As hosted elements they will move laterally with their main host, but not vertically – which is kinda weird, because this kind of hosting is half-baked. Nobody wanted to commit fully to anything, so it's left in a half done state.

Also I don't want openings to be measured from the floor up,

Openings are usually either measured from the top of the story down, or from project zero. But neither can be selected.

Last but not least openings can be "lost" quite easily: If you accidentally move the opening beyond the current geometry of the main host you can not select it any longer. Only way of getting it back is by selecting it from a schedule.